Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years. It grows wild in the forests of Southern Asian countries and even in some Pacific Islands including Hawaii. It has been used as a medicine as well as a spice for over 4000 years. Hawaii produces most of the organic turmeric available to the United States. Its actual origin is unknown. Turmeric provides a number of essential vitamins and enzymes that improve the body’s ability to absorb, process and utilize vitamins for maximum benefits. It is rich in vitamin A, B, C, E, and K and in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc. It also provides amino and fatty acids along with phytochemicals (essential nutrients).

Its healing curcuminoids, curcumin, are responsible for its deep yellow and orange color. It is one of the most promising natural disease-fighting agents. Turmeric, in traditional medicine, has numerous health benefits. It has been shown to have powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties. It has been used in the treatment of Arthritis, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, MS, Lupus, Parkinson’s and cancer with some improvement in conditions. It has also been used externally on wounds to speed up the healing process, as well as on bites, itchy skin, and even scabies.

Turmeric has been found to be very helpful in treating autoimmune conditions. It can also be helpful in the GI tract by reducing bloating, improving digestion, treating leaky gut, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, ulcers, balancing intestinal flora, eliminating worms and fighting stomach infections such a bacterium Helicobacter pylori ( H. Pylori ). 

This vital nutrient helps to boost your immune system through its detoxifying properties by stimulating the lymphatic system and purifying the blood, thereby protecting the body from colds and flu. By fighting free radicals it can also be a wonderful anti aging agent. Turmeric improves concentration and memory retention. It aids in fat metabolism. Because of its pain relieving properties (as an anti-inflammatory), it is suitable for patients suffering from arthritis and rheumatism providing a powerful anti-inflammatory relief in joints. Researchers have found it beneficial in protecting the brain, preventing strokes and improving brain function. They have also found evidence of lowering risk of heart attack by regulating cholesterol.

Cauliflower, a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, when combined with turmeric, may help prevent and treat prostate cancer. Mixing turmeric with Castor oil makes a powerful toxin releaser for your skin by pulling harmful toxins from the lymph nodes and fat cells when applied to the breast and underarm.

In a rhizome powder form it can be used in food as a spice, in herbal teas, extracts, tinctures, capsulated supplements and even potent IVs.

Suggested Use: 1 capsule twice daily with food. Dosage of turmeric should not exceed over 4 doses of 500 mg ingested orally. Dosage for inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is two doses of 500 mg.

We also have Curcurmin (Turmeric) IVs available at our clinic.  They are quite useful when a patient has high levels of inflammation in their body that need to be reduced, even in the brain.  Please talk with one of our providers if you feel you would like to benefit from this treatment option.

Bonus:

Turmeric Tonic: Anti-Inflammatory Elixir

Ingredients:
4 inch piece fresh turmeric (or two teaspoons organic dried turmeric)
3 inch piece of ginger (or one tablespoon organic powdered ginger)
3 lemons, peeled
Dash cayenne
4 cups coconut water
Raw honey to desired sweetness

Juice the turmeric, ginger, and lemons. Add the juice to the young coconut water (or spring water). Add the cayenne and stir well to combine. Consume up to 5 times a day. Store in the fridge for up to three days.

Veronika – Medical Product Specialist